Accelerate Okanagan’s mission is to give new and growing businesses in the technology industry the levels of competence, connections and community they need to thrive.
Client Spotlight highlights AO Program client successes, challenges and entrepreneurial insights.
When Ryan met Justin it was Biznas at first sight! They formed an instant bond over inefficiencies in the software development world, and three months later, they are now cash flow positive and employ a team of 10 people.
Accelerate Okanagan shines the spotlight this month on Venture Acceleration Program clients, Ryan Campbell and Justin Goodhew, CTO and CEO of Biznas. Here's what they had to say about becoming an entrepreneur, what keeps them up at night, and what advice they would give to aspiring entrepreneurs.
What made you decide to become an entrepreneur?
R: Because it makes me feel alive.
J: I have never had a job, I tried, but I could never get an interview. So I started my first company and never looked back.
How did the idea for your business come about?
R: After years of software development, I was seeing many recurring issues with building software and managing tech startups. I put those thoughts in a slide deck called Biznas and the rest is history.
J: the larger picture of software development has so much pain. Lighthouse labs, dev shops and freelancers are all trying to solve it. We want to 'tool-up' all of these individuals to allow them to be more productive.
Tell us about your product:
Software platform and process to simplify development of SaaS applications.
What problem do you solve for your customer?
Speed to market, confidence in their technology, ability to innovate and scalability of their technology.
How has AO helped accelerate your growth?
AO is your first advisory board. They understand high-level growth tactics and metrics needed in a scalable company. The EiRs are exceptional at providing the right guidance at the right time. The staff always put the startups and their needs first. They know how to get down to Biznas.
As an entrepreneur, what keeps you up at night?
To quote our Executive in Residence, #shitJudysez, "gettin' da money."
How would you describe the work culture and environment at Biznas?
We believe work has to be fun. We have aggressive goals and timelines but we make sure that the hard work is supplemented with Taco Tuesdays, team retreats and a startup co-working environment. We involve the team in all hiring decisions. People are the most important part of our company. Hands down.
What's the value of being involved in the tech community?
We love the tech community, everyone is using similar tech but all solving different problems. No one is in competition with each other, so it is very supportive and friendly and interesting. Being involved in the tech community allowed us to hire eight solid people in 10 weeks.
How has being an entrepreneur impacted your family, social life, or relationships?
Our families have been great. It is tough when you have to work long hours but they understand and know that it is a short term thing.
What advice would you give aspiring entrepreneurs?
Fail. But LEARN from your failures. Always ask for help and surround yourself with others trying to do audacious things.
What are three attributes needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
High tolerance for pain
High tolerance for pain
High tolerance for pain
What have been some of your challenges and what have you learned from them?
Most problems are short term. As long as you are transparent, open and willing to own up to your mistakes your customers will (almost always) forgive you.
What roles are you looking to add to your growing team?
A web designer that comes from a coding background. They are hard to find.
What's next for your company?
Growing our customer base past the Okanagan.
Who do you look to for mentorship/advice and why?
Mentors that give it to you straight. We have put all of our money and time into this venture and sacrificed a lot. We don't have time for bullshit. Give us your honest opinion and advice, we will take all data points into consideration and come up with the best decision for our company.
In one word, characterize your life as an entrepreneur:
Exhilarating.
Biznas is a current client of the Accelerate Okanagan Venture Acceleration Program. For more information about AO Programs, please click here.
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